Change the world: Tell your story

Sita Diehl: Director, Policy & State Outreach

Julie Erickson: Manager, National Education Programs

Mental health in America

1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition

Negative stereotypes are still strongly associated with the experience of having a mental health condition

Stigma is a barrier to treatment

Stigma can lead to discrimination in the workplace, education, housing and healthcare

Why share your story? We all have a story to tell.

Learning first-hand about mental health makes a difference.

Help ourselves

Help others

Fight stigma

Create change

Real stories change hearts & minds.

Effective storytelling Introduce yourself

Your relationship to the issue: which hats?

Low point

Turning point: What helped?

Whats going right?

What do you hope for?

When to have an ask

TIP #1: Know your audience

TIP #2: Keep it BRIEF Stick to the highlights

TIP #3: Paint a vivid picture

HOW?

Descriptive language

Clear examples

TIP #4: Emotion should MOVE, not overwhelm

HOW?

Dial it back just enough

Understand your limits

TIP #5: Motivate with HOPE & RECOVERY

NOTE: If your story doesnt have a hopeful ending, talk about what would have helped or what could help others.

TIP #6: Know when to make an ASK

If youre Advocating Fundraising

TIP #7: Practice, practice, practice

NOTE: Your delivery is part of your message, be sincere, confident and clear

Your Turn! Write your story

REMEMBER 1. Your story is always RIGHT (its your story)

2. Your lived experience has value and meaning

3. You dont need to have answers

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Grassroots advocacy skill-building

Shape your powerful story to move policymakers

4 lessons: stand-alone or combined Telling Your Story Contacting Your Policymaker Meeting Your Policymaker Medication: Protecting Choice

Want a Smarts Workshop? Contact your NAMI State Organization

NAMI In Our Own Voice

Creates a safe space for

dialogue on mental health

Breaks down stigma

Empowers presenters

www.nami.org/ioov

Furthest reaching presentation program

Features two presenters sharing what its like to

live with a mental health condition

Thank you! Questions?

Sita Diehl

sdiehl@nami.org

Julie Erickson

jerickson@nami.org